Praises and prayers poured on the Internet for Dr. Wilbur Jan Robert Demafiles, a medical professional and an HIV advocate who recently passed away after manning the frontline in the battle against COVID-19.
LoveYourself Inc., a non-profit organization that conducts free HIV testing and awareness campaigns, shared their grief over the passing of one of its volunteers and ambassadors. “Dr. Wilbur joined LoveYourself as one of our volunteer/ambassador doctors for the Hot Doctors of ‘Pinas National HIV Testing Day in 2018. We remember him for his enthusiasm and commitment to use his role as a medical practitioner to help out in our advocacy campaigns,” they said.
The organization also said that they honor his memory by recognizing his dedication as a remarkable front liner in the face of COVID-19, and as “a great community advocate, and a good friend to many of our volunteers and members.”
Many Twitter and Facebook users hailed Wilbur a hero, especially after online reports surfaced that he died in the line duty. In a widely circulated social media post, the doctor’s brother claimed that Wilbur died from cardiac arrest after allegedly working three consecutive shifts to treat his patients. “Nagpaka-martir po siya para sa mga may COVID sa ospital,” his brother reportedly said, before adding that due to current quarantine protocols, a wake looks unlikely to happen, since Jan’s remains would have to be cremated before being sent home to his family.
In another post, a certain Larraine Joyce Tams-Reyes, also mourned the doctor’s death by sharing a bittersweet recollection of their tender moments together on her Facebook account. She also said that she regretted not having asked him how he was on the last Saturday that they were together, and how Wilbur would always say that he found “fulfillment in service.”
As of April 18, 2020, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that 766 healthcare workers in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19, including 339 doctors and 242 nurses.
